Questions Frequently Asked About Green Glue
How Much Area Will Green Glue Noiseproofing Compund Cover?
Each case of Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound contains 12 tubes (boxes of 6 tubes and individual tubes are also available) and covers approximately 192 sq. ft. at the recommended 2 tubes per 4’ x 8’ (3 m²) sheet coverage.
Where Are Green Glue Products Used?
Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is used between two layers of building materials – typically plasterboard, OSB, MDF, cement board, or plywood. So long as two of the layers are flat, rigid and are easy to stick to and at least one allows moisture to pass through then the Noiseproofing Compound will perform well.
Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound should not be used between one or two soft layers – i.e. between a carpet pad and plywood or to fill any cavities, such as inside a wall for insulating purposes.
Green Glue Noiseproofing compound is NOT an adhesive. For surfaces, although the compound is not intended to be used as an adhesive it does need to stick to both sides. If standard latex paint would easily adhere to the surface then the compound should have enough adhesion, if the surface would require a primer or other treatment then it will not function properly.
We do not recommend using the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound on exterior applications as it is effective only at room temperature range (approximately 65-85°F / 18-29°C). Exteriors are often subject to temperature fluctuations which are below and above this range. Please note: if the Noiseproofing Compound is subjected to temperatures outside of this range, including during transport, it will return to regular performance once it has warmed/cooled to the 65-85°F (18-29°C). range. Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is freeze and thaw stable.
Green Glue Joist Tape is used on floor joists to eliminate squeaks caused by the friction between the floor joist and subflooring. The joist tape is not effective at reducing impact noise from footfalls or airborne noise.
Despite what other firms may tell you, the answer to this question is not cut-and-dry. In order to gauge the benefit you will see from using the Noiseproofing Compound in a project, you first need to get a better understanding of the details of that project. For example, is it a wall or floor/ceiling assembly? What kind of studs (wood vs. steel) will be used? What is the stud spacing (16” oc vs. 24” oc)? Is additional insulation being used? What type and thickness of drywall will be used?
Once you have these details, an estimate of sound reduction can be done by consulting our extensive test database to match many or all of these elements to give you a better sense of the final STC value you can expect. There are numerous test reports and construction details shown at http://www.greengluecompany.com/test-data .
In addition our design guide at http://www.greengluecompany.com/sites/default/files/Green_Glue_Electronic_Design_Guide_0.pdf can be a valuable resource. Please note: while we have hundreds of tests in our database, we do not necessarily have exactly the same set-up as each and every project. However by matching similar information you are often able to have a close approximation.
For best results, you should consider treating all the surfaces of your room. You may also have to pay attention to other sound paths, such as noise going in and out of doors, and noise making its way through ductwork.
How Do I Use Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound?
Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is used between two layers of building materials – typically plasterboard, OSB, MDF, cement board, or plywood. So long as two of the layers are rigid and one of these layers is porous, the Noiseproofing Compound will perform well.
As mass plays an important role in soundproofing, we recommend using the thickest layer of drywall available, which is typically 15mm. If you want to use a thinner panel, 12.5mm sheet will still perform well, although not to the same standard as a 15mm or 19mm sheet. Anything thinner is not advisable. The same rules apply to other building materials such as plywood and OSB.
Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound does not need to be applied in any specific pattern. The general recommendation is to apply the Compound in a random pattern all over the board, leaving a 2”-3” (5-7.5cm) border around the outside of the panel to allow for handling. The recommended amount is to use two tubes per 1.2m by 2.4m sheet.
Despite the Green Glue name, our Noiseproofing Compound is NOT a permanent adhesive and therefore the second layer of drywall still needs to be fastened to the studs per local building codes. We do not want panels falling off walls and ceilings! Please note: We always recommend following local building codes regarding the types of nails or screws to use in securing layers of plasterboard or other building material.
Once applied to a panel, the Noiseproofing Compound begins to cure within 15 minutes, so it is important to hang the panel promptly. Once the panel has been hung and secured in place, the Noiseproofing Compound will begin curing and will reach peak performance within 30 days. This is important: if you have just applied the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and plasterboard and are not hearing a perceivable increase in performance, please do allow 30 days and then evaluate the change.
To seal the sound from going around, flanking, your treated wall we recommend using Everbuild AC95 Acoustic Sealant.
What Fire or UL Certifications do Green Glue Products have?
Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound has been fire tested for use in several varying wall assemblies. If you would like information on these assemblies, please see below: Navigate to www.ul.com Scroll down under "Resources" and click on the "Online Certifications Directory", or as a shortcut go to http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/index.html , fill in blank field "UL File Number" with R26312 and click on the search button. Fire testing for the Noiseproofing Compound and Sealant is provided.
The sealant is not intended to be used as a fire blocking material.
I am dealing with impact noise from above, will adding another layer of plasterboard and Noiseproofing Compound fix my problem?
First, please note that we are talking about the issue of impact noise. If the ceiling cavity is insulated and there are resilient channels, ceiling hangers, or sound isolating clips and channels attached to the ceiling joists, then adding another layer of drywall with the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound will offer a benefit in terms of both impact and airborne noise. However, if there isn’t any decoupling mechanism between the joists and the first layer of drywall, simply adding Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and another layer of plasterboard may not effectively treat the impact noise.
Assuming there is insulation in the cavity, our first suggestion would be to treat the floor above and, if that is not possible, treat the ceiling below by removing the existing plasterboard and installing the SoundSense Isolation System along with plasterboard. For best performance, use the SoundSense Isolation System with the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and another layer of plasterboard.
Can I Use Green Glue On Textured Walls?
Most textured walls will need to be flattened as the texture should not allow wall to wall contact.
Can I Use Green Glue On Studs or Joists?
We do not recommend using the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound on the studs or joists. Green Glue must be used between two rigid layers to be effective and, as such, you will not achieve any measurable benefits by using the compound in this manner.
How Can I Remove Green Glue From Clothes Or Other Surfaces?
Proper measures always should be taken to ensure that the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound does not get onto your clothing, floors, outer layers of drywall, etc., but sometimes it does happen. To remove compound from hands or tools: use soap & water or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). To remove compound from drywall: if it is still “wet” use a wet, damp cloth to wipe off. If dry, roll off with finger. To remove from carpet: use soap & water or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
Does The Cavity Need To Be Insulated?
In order for the Green Glue compound to work to its maximum potential we recommend that all cavities be filled with flexible insulation such as fiberglass insulation, mineral wool or cellulose materials. This recommendation is also for interior walls.
Can I Use Green Glue on Mass Loaded Vinyl?
We do not recommend Green Glue be used in direct contact with these materials but the compound can be used in addition to them by using them on either side ( outside ) of the two pieces of plasterboard that the compound is between.
How do I finish off the wall seams?
Typically, after the sealant is applied, you will dryline the final joints as normal or plaster the walls and ceiling. For decoupled walls choose constructions materials designed to finish with slight movement.
Are there materials where the compound should not be used?
The compound will not work in contact with flexible, low surface energy, or non-stick materials. The compound will not work in direct contact with: Cork, plastics, copper, bronze, zinc, MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl), and Plasticized materials among others. It will not work in contact with flexible materials.
